The 9 Accessories Every Woman Should Own by Age 40—Including 1 You Probably Didn’t Expect

Our favorite jewelry box pick for your 40s is the statement earring because it’s exactly the kind of versatile piece that can go with jeans or a formal dress, depending on the day. These big, blingy baubles draw the eye up and across the face, making you instantly look fresher and younger—even if you only got two hours of sleep last night. Just make sure the hoops, chandeliers or button styles you choose don’t visibly weigh down your earlobes or stretch out your earring holes.

Save: BaubleBar Celestial Drop Earrings ($36); Ettika Fringe Earrings ($50); Deepa Gurnani Jody Earrings ($60); Miranda Frye Jasmine Earrings ($76); J.Crew Hoop Earrings ($98)

Splurge: Lele Sadoughi Flower Earrings ($175); Maison Irem Koa Earrings ($190); Nakamol Bow Earrings ($243); Monica Vinader Gemstone Earrings ($595)

Whether you’re busy juggling kids or running errands all over town, you probably understand the importance of having one nice bag that fits it all. We’re talking your wallet, hand sanitizer, an extra change of shoes, maybe your laptop, a few snacks and three different lipstick shades. You can choose whichever carryall design suits you best, be it something that’s more polished, like Cuyana’s classic leather totes, or a more relaxed boho silhouette (see: Stella McCartney’s Falabella bags). As long as it looks good on your shoulder and can be zipped or snapped shut, you’ll be good to go.

Save: ASOS Croc Shopper ($45); Ted Baker London Soocon Tote ($69); Area Stars Bow Tote ($88); Mali + Lili Annie Tote ($98)

Splurge: Madewell Leather Knotted Tote ($168); Cuyana Leather Tote ($225); Tory Burch Leather McGraw Tote ($398; $249); Clare V. Simple Stripe Leather Tote ($555)

Sure, a strand of pearls is nice to have, but we think your money is better spent on something that you’ll wear on the daily. The right timepiece can tell the world you’re an expert multitasker: It’s a conversation starter that just so happens to also keep you informed of the time. Opt for styles that are a bit heftier in size, making sure the face is no bigger than two thirds of the width of your wrist, over delicate, evening-ready designs. You’ll also want one that features a relatively hardy band, preferably in a bracelet style or a pebbled leather material, that won’t be easily harmed by dishwashing or any other daily activities.

Save: Limit 33mm Watch ($60; $38); Fossil Mini Carlie Leather Watch ($60); Olivia Burton Bracelet Watch ($162; $81); Timex 33mm Watch ($99)

Splurge: Nacre Mini Lune Watch ($170); Breda Jane Watch ($175); Tory Burch Reva Logo Watch ($275); Michael Kors Parker Watch ($406)

Wear them with a work dress. Make them your jeans’ BFF. Pull them on with leggings. The versatility of basic black ankle boots cannot be beat, as they can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your destination. Whether you prefer sidewalk-friendly Chelsea boots or stiletto booties that are practically made for a night of dancing is totally up to you (and the condition of your feet). Just make sure this undeniable closet staple is in good condition before you step out of the house—if your kicks are showing visible wear, worn-out soles or tarnished hardware, you’ll want to seek out your neighborhood shoe repair shop, stat.

Save: Kelly & Katie Yona Chelsea Boots ($50); JLO Jennifer Lopez Josey Boots ($70); Franco Sarto Tieran Boots ($90); Blondo Laureece Boots ($150)

Splurge: Tony Biacno Leather Brazen Boots ($166); Alohas Leather South Boots ($265); Mavette Leather Chelsea Boots ($450; $395); Christian Louboutin Leather Adoxa 70 Boots ($995)

It’s time to toss all the frames that slide off your nose, fit wonkily from that one time you sat on them or are simply too big for your face. A pair of sunnies that frame your cheekbones and stay in place while you walk will not only look better than any other pair, they’ll entice you to reach for them every time you step out the door. While you can definitely go with gradient, colored or playful lenses, we’re all about the timelessness of a classic black or tortoiseshell pair.

Save: ASOS Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($18); Quay Australia After Hours Sunglasses ($55); Breed Sunglasses Lyra Sunglasses ($69); Warby Parker Beale Sunglasses (From $95)

Splurge: Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses (From $139); Raen Norie Sunglasses ($175); Burberry 57mm Sunglasses ($252); Celine 50mm Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($410)

Chunky athletic sneakers may be the trend du jour, but we don’t expect it to last forever. Instead, you’re much better off investing in a pair of sleek, classic, comfortable sneakers with a more minimalist vibe. You don’t have to go with basic white leather, either: We love a pop of snakeskin with jeans or a hint of glitter with leggings. With this one simple upgrade, you just may find that you’re actually excited to run an errand or two.

Save: Keds Leather Center II Sneakers ($60); Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers ($75); Banana Republic Essential Sneakers ($79); Everlane The Releather Court Sneakers ($110)

Splurge: Thousand Fell Lace-Up Sneakers ($120); Soludos Leather Ibiza Sneakers ($129); Alexandre Birman Leather Clarita Sneakers ($425); Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers ($580)

It’s time you treat your money with care and spring for a wallet that has a slot for cash, room for every card you own and maybe even a little pocket for your coins. It seems like such a small detail but pulling out a nice wallet when you need to make a purchase (or when you’re catching up with your college roommate over coffee) is a subtle way of letting the world know you’ve got your sh*t together—finances and all. You don’t need to spend a ton on a designer wallet either—just make sure yours isn’t threadbare or totally worn out.

Save: Matt & Nat Rue Wallet ($37); JW PEI Stella Wallet ($39); Madewell Leather The Post Wallet ($78); GiGi New York Leather Bi-Fold Wallet ($80)

Splurge: Tory Burch Leather Miller Medium Flap Wallet ($198); Longchamp Roseau Continental Wallet ($260); Strathberry Multrees Leather Wallet ($360); Gucci Leather Marmont Petite Wallet ($420)

That old, broken tiny umbrella you bought in a gift shop on vacation because you suddenly found yourself caught unprepared in a drizzle may have worked in a pinch, but by age 40, you should really upgrade to something sturdier. Look for one that’s wide enough to truly protect you from the rain (not just your head and shoulders), with a sturdy pole and an easy-to-grip handle. Trust us, you’ll feel much more confident walking into that job interview/bank loan meeting/parent-teacher conference with this sleek tool on your arm instead of a clear plastic number that says “I Heart Mickey Mouse” on the brim.

Save: Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrella ($19); Totes J-Stick Umbrella (From $23); Repel Umbrella ($20); Balios Travel Umbrella ($25)

Splurge: MoMA Sky Umbrella ($55); ShedRain Stratus Umbrella ($80); Blunt Classic Umbrella ($99); Davek Elite Umbrella ($169)

OK, so this one’s less applicable if you live in Miami or San Jose, but for anyone living somewhere where temperatures even occasionally drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, owning a pair of gloves that both look good and actually keep your hands warm is an absolute must. Leather and suede will only look better as they age, and there are plenty of vegan options that will also do the trick. And yes, you can definitely find sleek mittens too, if that’s more your style: Just opt for a neat black, brown or neutral dark hue instead of an intarsia knit pair for a cleaner look.

Save: Nordstrom Lambskin Gloves ($59); Barbour Leather Lady Jane Gloves ($80; $60); U|R Leather Ribbed Gloves ($70); UGG Zippered Gloves ($75)

Splurge: Agnelle Lambskin Cecilia Gloves ($174); Mackage Leather Willis Gloves ($220); Yves Salomon Leather Mittens ($225); Loewe Leather Anagram Gloves ($490)